Trump Calls Out The NY Times
On Friday evening, former President Donald Trump defended his claims about a helicopter incident in response to criticisms from The New York Times. Trump reiterated his version of events, where he had a near-disastrous helicopter landing with former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, contrary to the Times’ report.
In his post on Truth Social, Trump took aim at the Times’ reporting: “Two failing New York Times ‘reporters’ are questioning my account of a helicopter emergency landing involving former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown and myself. For the record, the incident occurred in New Jersey, not California, and it was Willie Brown—not Jerry Brown, the former governor. Their track record on accuracy is as poor here as it is with their other stories about me,” Trump wrote.
He further recalled a past interaction between him and Brown, referring to an article from April 15, 2011, where Brown recounted how Trump had sent a private jet to pick him up. “Willie Brown’s memory seems selective. He used to brag about flying with me, but now he’s claiming otherwise. He definitely remembers, despite his current denial,” Trump asserted.
During a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Trump detailed the harrowing helicopter experience, describing it as a tense situation. “We had to make an emergency landing. It was a nerve-wracking moment for both of us, but we got through it,” Trump said.
The New York Times countered Trump’s account, asserting that the flight involved former Governor Jerry Brown instead. In response, Willie Brown dismissed the story, asserting to KRON4 that he had never conducted business with Trump and was skeptical about sharing a helicopter ride with him. “I don’t see myself wanting to be on a helicopter with him,” Brown remarked, questioning the reliability of such claims.
Adding to the confusion, former Los Angeles city councilman Nate Holden claimed to have been the person with Trump during the emergency landing, emphasizing a physical distinction between himself and Willie Brown. “There seems to be a mix-up. Willie Brown and I are quite different in appearance,” Holden said.
Trump’s campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, referenced Trump’s memoir “Letters to Trump,” where Trump had previously mentioned the helicopter incident and praised Brown’s political acumen. “I knew Willie Brown well, and we shared a tense helicopter ride. Thankfully, it ended safely,” Cheung quoted from the book.
Willie Brown, notable for his political influence and connection to Vice President Kamala Harris, who benefited from his mentorship during the 1990s, has been a figure of controversy and intrigue in this ongoing debate.
